Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Everglide Sakura Pink offer distinct characteristics to suit different preferences. The EF Grayish is a tactile switch that provides a medium weight feel, a neutral sound signature, and a reasonable price point, making it an excellent default choice for many users. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink is a linear switch with an ultra-light 35g actuation force, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with a delightful poppy sound. While the EF Grayish is known for its snappy tactile feedback, the Sakura Pink stands out for its buttery and creamy feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Everglide Sakura Pink both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The EverFree (EF) Grayish utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Sakura Pink features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound overall.
While both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Everglide Sakura Pink share a polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housing materials ultimately impact the typing experience in unique ways. The nylon bottom housing of the EverFree (EF) Grayish provides a more muffled and round sound when pressing down on the keys, creating a different typing feel compared to the crisper sound profile of the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a consistent sound profile with the top housing, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance of the switch's sound. This difference in bottom housing materials can significantly influence the overall typing experience for users.
In summary, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Everglide Sakura Pink share a polycarbonate top housing known for its sharp and clear sound profile, their bottom housing materials provide distinctive qualities to the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the EverFree (EF) Grayish creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink maintains consistency with the top housing for a more uniform sound profile. Whether one prefers a muffled and round sound or a sharper and crisper sound, the choice of housing material in switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is clear that the Sakura Pink is lighter overall. The EF Grayish has an actuation force of 59 grams, which is heavier than the Sakura Pink's 35 grams. However, the bottom out force of the EF Grayish is unknown, while the Sakura Pink has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura Pink requires less force to bottom out compared to the EF Grayish. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sakura Pink would be the better choice, as it offers a more gentle keystroke. Conversely, the EF Grayish may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is an important factor to consider depending on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sakura Pink has a longer travel distance compared to the EverFree Grayish. The shorter travel distance of the EverFree Grayish may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Sakura Pink may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EverFree (EF) Grayish for $2.69.
The Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch provides a muted sound, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can add to the overall typing ambiance, depending on personal preference and surroundings.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is described as stepped and snappy, providing a tactile feedback that feels more mild and responsive. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch offers a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless typing experience. These qualities result in a smoother and more effortless keystroke, enhancing typing comfort and reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Both switches offer unique tactile and responsive feels that cater to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Everglide Sakura Pink switches each have their own strengths in sound and feel qualities. The EF Grayish switch provides a neutral sound profile and a stepped, snappy feel, making it a versatile choice for various users. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch offers a muted sound and a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless feel, prioritizing smoothness and comfort. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing sensation. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, providing users with a range of options to customize their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-weight switch with a neutral sound profile and a snappy, stepped feel, the EF Grayish would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light actuation force, a muted sound, and a creamy, buttery typing experience, the Sakura Pink switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for you during your typing sessions.
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